The HDNet-televised event features both MMA and K-1 bouts and takes place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

The current DREAM lightweight champion, Aoki (22-4) enters the contest having won five of his past six bouts. "Tobikan Judan's" lone loss in the stretch came in a welterweight grand prix contest to Hayato "Mach" Sakurai. The 26-year-old is quickly becoming a New Year's Eve staple, as "Dynamite!! 2009" will mark Aoki's fourth-straight Dec. 31 appearance.

Meanwhile, Hirota (12-3-1) fights for the first time since claiming World Victory Road's Sengoku lightweight title with an August TKO win over former champion Satoru Kitaoka. Hirota enters the bout having gone 6-1-1 in his past eight outings.

While the future of World Victory Road has been left in doubt after lingering financial concerns, the matchup between the two title holders was not announced as a unification contest.

Continuing on the "DREAM vs. World Victory Road" theme, Kawajiri (25-5-2) looks to finish 2009 with his fourth-straight win during the calendar year. "Crusher" was long rumored for a potential matchup with Aoki but will take the fight with Yokoto, instead.

Yokota (11-2-3) also looks to finish his 2009 at a perfect 4-0. A longtime DEEP veteran, Yokota has amassed a 5-1 record while fighting under the Sengoku banner, and his lone loss in the promotion came to former champ Kitaoka.